Keeping portable restrooms in tip-top shape during the busy season is crucial; no one wants to be stuck at the county fair short a restroom. Or worse yet, swamped with odor and overfill complaints at your largest special event of the year.
When PROs follow a set summer maintenance checklist, they can quickly address seasonal challenges and increase efficiency and customer satisfaction. Plus, a better-cared-for unit is a longer-lasting unit. While summer maintenance checklists will vary from market to market, several summer readiness steps appear to be universal:
- Using a high-temperature formula deodorizer — designed for temperatures greater than 85 degrees Fahrenheit — at every service
- Checking unit anchoring weekly for wind resistance to protect against summer storms
- Monitoring weekly for pest or insect infestations, especially watch out for ants, wasps and bees nests
- Providing shaded placements where possible and as needed to reduce the internal heat and odor intensity in units
- Tracking unit condition with photos during peak or large-scale events to better track claims and perform proactive maintenance
- Documenting all servicing and refills all day, every day, to track supply volumes and make reordering more accurate
Standard portable restrooms maintenance
Most standard portable restrooms are made of polyurethane or HDPE, and these plastic units have summer maintenance requirements different from those of portable restroom trailers. Summer service for a standard portable restroom should include, at the very least:
Every service:
- Clean and disinfect interior surfaces with a high-strength, nonabrasive cleaner
- Refill the deodorizer and blue chemical solution, and use summer-formulated additives
- Check toilet paper and sanitizer levels; usage spikes in summer and refills may need to be more frequent
Weekly:
- Inspect units for structural damage or UV degradation, the heat can cause cracks and warping
- Check roof and vent screens for blockages to ensure airflow and minimize odors
- Check door springs and latches as heat can weaken plastic and metal
- Inspect the restroom base for leaks or instability, and watch for soft ground/placement
- Wash the exterior to keep the appearance clean and professional
- Add fly/bug repellent strips or gel packs as insect activity increases
Portable restroom trailer maintenance
Of course, luxury offerings will have special service standards even in summer. Customers spending money to ensure they have a flushing toilet present will usually expect exceptional service, white-glove cleanliness and a working air conditioner, too. This summer, consider the following when setting your trailer maintenance to-do list:
Every service:
- Sanitize door handles and high-touch areas — Helps reduce transmission of germs
- Check supply levels (toilet paper, soap, paper towels) — Replenish due to high summer demand
Weekly:
- Test the AC and ventilation system; anything affecting user comfort should be a high priority
- Flush and sanitize all waste tanks; summer heat increases bacterial growth rates
- Inspect and clean the freshwater system to prevent the buildup of slime, algae or odor
- Prevent shower/sink service disruptions by verifying water heater and pump functionality
- Check seals on toilets, urinals and sinks to prevent leaks, especially during transport
- Inspect flooring for water damage or warping, which is common due to the tracked-in moisture that comes with rainfall
- Ensure lights, fans and electrical are functional; they’re critical for nighttime events or indoor placement
Monthly (or as needed):
- Wash unit exteriors, including the undercarriage, to prevent the buildup of dust and debris.
